“Some idiot has threatened chemical warfare on the city.”
My brows lifted. What the fuck did he just say? Surely I misheard.
Katsy giggled at my expression. “The government has released a city-wide alert. Everyone is to stay indoors until the threat has been neutralised.”
I ignored them, grabbing my phone and scrolling through numerous unread messages.
Spencer: Let’s go shopping. I need a few more dresses.
Tanner: No.
Emerson: You’ll get poisoned and die.
Spencer: The government’s a conspiracy.
Tanner: True. Still, the answer is no.
Spencer: Micah? What do you think?
I rolled my eyes before typing out a reply.
Micah: Veto the shopping, Spence. Save it for another day.
Spencer: Too late.
Image Received
Attached was a selfie of Spencer wearing a gas mask. Where she got that, I had no idea. Another image followed straight after: Emerson pulling hard on Spencer’s hair, the shot blurry with movement.
I ran a loose hand down my face and sighed.
Katsy aimed for the exit, her arm skimming mine as she passed. “Looks like we’re stuck here all night. Let’s have some fun together.”
Red filtered into my vision and my fingers strained tight, digging into my phone. My expression remained clear as I counted my respirations, re-establishing equilibrium.
When I was stabilised, Katsy was gone and Burner remained at his desk, perusing the official warning directive from the government.
He flicked a reassuring gaze my way. “I know this isn’t ideal, but a chemical weapon is a serious matter, and you’ll be safer indoors. We will ensure your comfort as best we can.”
I nodded, sparing another glance at my phone.
Tanner: Greattttt. Now you’re contaminated.
Spencer: OMG! I swear I can’t breathe.
Emerson: And yet, she has enough breath to keep on whinging. Stay where you are, Micah. The threat is around the corner from Oakview.
I swear, I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried. If Emerson was concerned, the threat must be legitimate.
Since I was trapped and opposed to the idea of gassing myself alive, I had to remain in character until I could officially leave for good.
Burner offered Katsy’s empty seat. “While I’ve got you, I wanted to say how impressed I am with your work. No psychiatrist has lasted more than one session with Psycho.”
No shit. Psycho wasn’t here to be rehabilitated, he was here to be punished.
Besides the Caverns and famed fighting pits, Ludus Maximus was an influential crime organisation that provided security and soldiers to the world’s elite. Maximus had enough jurisdiction and power to influence if someone was to remain locked up or not.
Burner continued with his worthless drivel. “Except you. I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder what you talked about in your sessions. No security, no protection, no witnesses. He must trust you.”
My ears pricked at the underlined insinuation. I’d underestimated Burner’s observation skills.
I leant forward and softened my features. “I’ll tell you,” I said, lowering my voice in conspiring camaraderie. “If you win.”
His eyes sparked with interest. “Win what?”
“Whatever game you choose.”
Burner was a gambler, his personal traits synonymous with his addiction; irregularities with his work performance, mood, personality and appearance. The fact that I’d sifted his bank account also helped. Despite the money he’d embezzled from Oakview Asylum, Burner remained in debt beyond repair.
He scuffed his chair closer, eyes gleaming. “Alright, Doctor. We have the Fundraiser coming up, and I want to make an impact on Mayor Arthur Oakview. More importantly, I want to use you to make that impact. If the Mayor hears of the progress you’ve made with Psycho, he may be inclined to donate more money.”
“Stakes?”
Burner steepled his fingers. “If you don’t gain his favour, you tell me what’s discussed in your sessions.”
“Okay.” His aura flared at my simple agreement.
“What about you, Olivia? What do you want if you win?”
